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Wild scenes as world reacts to ‘unbelievable’ Socceroos win over Peru

There were wild scenes in Melbourne as Aussie football fans reacted to the Socceroos’ stunning penalty shoot win over Peru.

Matthew Sullivan
2 min read
June 14, 2022 - 7:08AM
Socceroos qualify for 2022 World Cup

Australians have reacted with absolute jubilation after the Socceroos booked their place in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with a thrilling win over Peru in their sudden death playoff.

In wild, euphoric scenes, the Socceroos beat Peru 5-4 in a nailbiting penalty shootout in Doha on Tuesday morning.

Coach Graham Arnold made a bombshell selection gamble in the final minute of extra time by taking captain Mat Ryan out of the game to put Andy Redmayne in at goalkeeper — and it proved to be one of the greatest tactical decisions Australian football has ever known.

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The Socceroos trailed early in the penalty shootout when Martin Boyle’s first shot was saved, however, Aaron Mooy, Craig Goodwin, Ajdin Hjrustic, Jamie Maclaren and Awer Mabil all converted from the spot.

Redmayne was the fairytale hero at the end as he made two saves to send Australia to the World Cup.

Socceroos players went bananas as they rushed to celebrate with Redmayne after the save — and there were tears of joy seen on sections of the team.

The Socceroos are heading to the World Cup. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)
The Socceroos are heading to the World Cup. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)
Qatar here we come. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
Qatar here we come. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
Absolute scenes. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
Absolute scenes. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)

The Socceroos became the 31st team to qualify for football’s global showpiece Qatar later this year as they booked their place at a fifth consecutive World Cup.

And there were wild scenes in Melbourne’s Federation Square as fans who got up early to watch the game went absolutely berserk celebrating the victory.

ABC sports presenter Tony Armstrong was mobbed by Australian supporters in a chaotic live TV cross.

Football reporter David Davutovic tweeted: “Congratulations Graham Arnold and the Socceroos — a massive achievement qualifying and beating Peru.

“And Arnie did it his way, bringing on Redmayne for skipper Mat Ryan. If it didn’t pan out, he would’ve been slammed. Qatar here we come …”

An emotional Arnold was nearly speechless after the against-the-odds win.

Aussie football fans couldn’t believe their eyes as Redmayne’s save gave them flashbacks to John Aloisi’s penalty shootout heroics against Uruguay in 2005.

Footy journalist Rohan Connolly tweeted: “Tipping we’ll end up seeing this just as much as the Aloisi moment. Bloody beautiful!”

Sports broadcast Peter Psaltis said: “They did it the hard way. But that was brilliant. Well done @Socceroos. Amazing stuff! 5 World Cup appearances in a row. Something that should never be taken for granted!”

Originally published as Wild scenes as world reacts to ‘unbelievable’ Socceroos win over Peru

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/sport/football/socceroos/wild-scenes-as-world-reacts-to-unbelievable-socceroos-win-over-peru/news-story/598f11151550ef0cb79a3afa2b1b49c2